Do you like superhero origins like Smallville?
Do you like high-concept science fiction like Star Trek?
Then you’ll love The Crusader.
The Crusader is a young adult, sci-fi superhero novel that will leave you believing anyone can be a hero.
When Patrick Knight discovers his superhuman abilities, will he become the pawn of an ancient evil or will he become the hero of his own crusade?
Like most high school students, Patrick Knight struggles to find his place in the world. But, it gets more complicated than he ever imagined when he discovers his supernatural abilities. Suddenly, he is surrounded by people offering their advice and guidance.
Do these mentors want to help him, or use him? Should he trust the wealthy businessman who teaches him the ends justify the means? Should he trust the mysterious “last time agent” who claims to be from the future and tells Patrick he’s destined to become a great hero? The line between hero and villain is blurred when Patrick’s primal need to fight competes with his will to help the people of Chicago.
To find his way, Patrick must learn whether power corrupts – or reveals inner greatness.
Caught between the worlds of children and adults, Patrick Knight feels the overwhelming pressure placed on tomorrow’s leaders. Join a sport, get a good grades, find a job. Yet he still has all the shackles of childhood – be home by 8, get some sleep, you can’t borrow the car.
When he discovers the extraordinary things he’s capable of, he’s eager to share his gifts with the world and show everyone – including himself – what he can do.
But then from out of the woodwork come all the people who want to offer their “guidance.” Who really wants to help? And who wants to use him?
Patrick doesn’t care – because he’s going to find his own crusade.
Also known as “the Chimeara”, this mysterious stranger claims to be from the future.
He foretells that Patrick will grow to become a great hero – a crusader for the weak, the broken, the lost. He offers to train Patrick and give him the tools he needs to succeed in his life’s purpose.
But maybe he’s just telling Patrick exactly what he wants to hear…
Who is Indomitus? The legendary stranger from the stars might be the universe’s greatest hero – or he might just be a myth.
What is his connection to the top-secret “Navigato” mission? And how will this change Patrick Knight’s world forever?
Prodigy author Nicholas Chimera is first published at only 17 years old. An accomplished filmmaker and short story author, Nicholas is a student at Brother Rice High School and soon to attend Carthage College.
In his free time, Nicholas studies traditional karate. He lives in the suburbs of Chicago with his parents and loyal beagle, Krypto.
With most origin stories, you know the main character will ultimately make the right choices. In the end, Clark Kent always becomes Superman. In the end, Luke Skywalker balances the Force.
But you don’t know the Crusader. You don’t know what he’s capable of. And Nicholas Chimera has crafted an origin story that will genuinely leave you wondering whether the “hero” will make the right choices.
Superheroes dominate film and comics – but never in novel form. Only a novel leaves the extraordinary up to your imagination; only a novel gives you the inner monologue of its characters.
Nicholas’ age, coupled with wisdom beyond his years, creates a read that will resonate with younger readers and challenge older ones to take a closer look at what it means to be a hero.
Thanks so much for checking out The Crusader. It took me 9 years to publish my first graphic novel. But my brother, Nicholas, published his first novel in two.
I could not be prouder of him. He’s my best friend, and the best person I know.
I know if you give The Crusader a shot, you’re going to be surprised by how real the experience of this teenager seems – because it’s for teens, by a teen. You’ll be impressed by the sci-fi, and it’ll leave you thinking about the twist ending with the most memorable villain I’ve read about since the Joker.
But more than anything, I hope it leaves you with the belief that anyone can be a hero.
I hope you check it out.
Keep moving forward,
Carmelo Chimera
